The Late Miocene paleoenvironment of Afghanistan as inferred from dental microwear in artiodactyls

摘要: Abstract Dental microwear of Late Miocene artiodactyls from Afghanistan can yield information on paleodiet and thus inferences be drawn about their paleoenvironment. The “Molayan” locality lies at the border between Greek–Iranian Siwalik bioprovinces. Knowledge paleoenvironment will further our understanding faunal exchanges these two provinces during Miocene. Ninety-nine specimens seven bovid one giraffid species are considered. number diversity samples provide objective data, which enable reconstruction Prostrepsiceros aff. vinayaki Sporadotragus tadzhikistanicus have similar dental pattern, suggests a “meal by meal” mixed feeding diet. Phronetragus secondus, Gazella sp., Palaeotragus cf. rouenii only characterized as feeders in general sense. Dorcadoxa porrecticornis was an obligate grazer Tragoportax were variable grazers. analysis also brings out clear similarities extinct grazers Equus przewalskii, is C3 grazer. Isotopic evidence previous studies supports data. Comparisons with data Potwar Plateau suggest strong environmental differences Afghan locality. When brought together, this disparate diet open dry environment composed mainly grasses evergreen bushes Afghanistan.